How to Pass The Board Exam, Tips, Tricks, Prayers

How to pass the board exam? was one of the questions I had in mind when I took the licensure exam for engineers way back 2003. I am proud to say that I passed it on the first take.

Have you asked yourself “do I really need to pass the board exam?” the answer is “it depends.” If you belong to technical courses like engineering, there are some companies which do not require for an applicant to pass the licensure exam although most of the time they would say it is an advantage. For an accounting graduate, you can apply for a job that does not require a CPA license but then your privileges are on hold.

For teachers, I think in order to apply for a job you also really have to pass the LET. For medical courses (Doctors, Nurse, PT, Medtech) license is really a big deal so you really have to pass the licensure / board exam. Are you ready to pass the board exam? See the things I did to pass the board exam (tips, tricks and prayers) below.

Things I did to pass the Board / Licensure Exam

I attended a review center course. At school, most of the time our professor would teach us about solving problems based on what the book says, but in the review class you would learn almost every technique to reduce time in solving particular problem. Also, it would give you tips about the trend of questions during the actual exam.

There are two ways in choosing the review center. First, I asked my schoolmates ahead of me who already passed the exam about their preferred review center. Second, I did research about the existing review centers. Let your fingers do the walking, just search for it online. I would suggest that you choose a review center that is already in the field for so many years because they are most experienced.

On this course, simulations of the actual exam are being done. So I answered the questions the best that I could. I focused and took it seriously because I’ll never know if those questions will appear in the real board exam. I know a friend who did not take the course who actually became number 3 on board exam. During the review, I don’t overwork myself. I don’t stay up late at night, it would affect my ability to memorize formulas and terms.

If you want to attend refresher course but can’t due to financial constrain, you can borrow questionnaires from your batchmates / friends who attend the refresher course. Just photocopy it and return it to them.

What I did religiously to pass the board exam

Prayers can move mountains. I prayed all the time, believing and trusting Him. As the verse in bible says “And all things you ask in prayer, believe and you shall receive.” Matthew 21:22. I attended novena to St. Jude Thadeus, it would only consume an hour of a week for nine days. This is beyond any belief but during the Novena, I once bring my calculator and pencil and have it blessed by holy water.

As the saying goes: “Do your best and GOD will do the rest,” is still applicable these days. Pray for guidance but you should also study hard. Memories formulas, and solve problems.

Review at Home

Of course, most of the time you will be staying at home, so review. Make a schedule so you can still maintain a balanced life while preparing for the big two days / three days / four days exam. Remove all destruction while reviewing; mobile phones, laptop, Facebook, Twitter, DOTA, and everything that will let you lose your focus.

If you intend to, you can stay inside your room to study but get out of your cave and talk to your family from time to time. Do some exercise, you don’t need to go to the gym. You can do some jumping jacks, chair pushups, jogging in place, and situps. It can help reduce stress, maintain good blood circulation, and focus.

Day before the board exam

I visited the location of the school so that during the exam I won’t be rushing looking for the place. Knowing the place helped me feel very prepared on that day. During the Board Exam I woke up early and I arrived at the place 30 minutes before the exam time. I also wore comfortable clothes or in some cases you can wear the prescribed uniform (like for nurses).

The exam would last for about 8 hours per day, so I bought Gatorade and mammon just to keep my stomach alive and kicking. I did it for 3 consecutive days. Before I start the test, I prayed that all of the questions listed on the board exam were those I reviewed.

Words of Wisdom

Let me remind the exam takers to always follow instructions in answering the test papers. Use your time well and don’t be over confident, I mean don’t count your perceived correct answers and mistakes. Just answer the questions to the best of your knowledge.

Board exam questions are tricky, you should take note of the details especially decimal differences given in the multiple choice. Double check your answer as much as possible.

Also, don’t tell your co-examinees that the exam is easy to try to look smart because it can backfire sometimes especially when the results are out and you can’t see your name on it (hehehe).

If somehow you didn’t make it on your first take, don’t be discouraged, after six months re-take the exam. Never quit, study harder, and also pray harder. Allow me to share this quote to you:

Credits to the owner

This is how I pass the board exam.

How about you? Can you share how you were able to pass the board exam. If you are planning to take the exam, can you share your preparations? If you think this post would help your friends pass the exam, please share this to them.

dont forget to have some fun during review just like going to bars and have a drink…..get some girls also to make your review complete…… im saying this because this is what i have done’d luckily “wallllla” i pass the ECE exam…..

thank you so much for the advices! im preparing myself to this situation because of your advices. i will do my best to top the board exam not as my goal but its my perception as long as my capability and strength are concerned to do this final event of my chapter one life. May GOD be with me and give me wisdom and strength to pass the board exam. ALL IS WELL!

Thanks for the tips. But another thing and we often overlooked is to choose the right pencil during exams. I took the cpa licensure exam last year using Faber-Castell 9000 pencil. I heard that this is specially designed for computer use, and we all know that exams are checked by computer scanners now. I personally like that it has a darker and bigger lead compared to what we’ve grown to use-mongol (not that I’m against the brand), so shading won’t consume you much time. It also has a separate eraser that do not leave pink marks on those areas you’ve erased.

Hey Matt thanks for these advice. Don’t forget to give yourself a break from studying. I don’t study anymore if it’s a day before the exam, I just relax and let my brain breath for awhile. And I agree with joey, the dark green pencil from Faber- Castell is a good choice.

Hi. Sir, thank you very much for this inspiring write-up. I’ll be taking my Licensure Examinations for Teachers this coming September 25, 2011. And I am worried, tense and all. But I am doing my best and most of all I trust Him. Thank you so much for sharing the time mass in St. Jude. God bless.

…to all of you guys, thanks a lot for your tips! I’m preparing for the ME board exams this coming October here in Saudi Arabia and it’s kinda hard to take both (work & review) at the same time. I need to strive harder, really! And to you Matt, you’re story is awesome! I just posted the bible verse that you mentioned. Hope to hear more of your inspiring tips! God bless, Bro! :D

Hellow Seira, I’m also working here is saudi arabia,i have a plan to take board exam, but i have no information where the review center is and the contact persons,could please help me…im working here in al khobar…